THE TREATH OF SECULARISM

It seems that Secularism has become the norm of modern society. The globalized culture and economy has brought tremendous changes to humanity not only in terms of technology and science but also culturally. With the accessibility of communications the world is becoming a global village. No one is spared from this trend. In order to preserve the peace among human beings in this global community respect, tolerance and acceptance is important. While these values should be with us in our dealings with fellow humans and preserving the peace we should not forget that we Christians are called out and sent into the world in order to sow the seed of the Gospel. Secularism on the extreme relegates the practice of religion to the private sphere and often it also becomes a form of tyranny as it suppress the natural tendencies of humans for self expression which includes the freedom to profess and express one's religion. PP Benedict XVI in speaking to the religious of Salesian Society of Don John Bosco was reported by Zenith as saying that ... "the process of secularization that is gaining ground in modern culture" and that "unfortunately does not even spare communities of consecrated life. Hence it is necessary to be cautious with lifestyles that risk abating evangelical witness, rendering pastoral activity ineffective and weakening the vocational response." [for more of this read Zenith at: http://www.zenit.org/article-22162?l=english] As Christians we should not allow the values of secularism to dampen our enthusiasm to spread the gospel. Instead of allowing the world to influence us, we should be able to influence the world with the values of the Gospel. "For the Grace of God has appeared unto all men..."